2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Savvy LJ

Savvy Off-Road owner Gerald Lee knows a thing or two about ’wheeling. He’s tackled the best of Southern California’s trails in his 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and even served as co-driver/navigator/spotter, with John Currie behind the wheel, at the inaugural Smittybilt Every Man Challenge at the 2012 King of the Hammers event. The duo piloted a Jeep Wrangler to an overall win in the stock class.

Gerald has used his many years of ’wheeling experience and knowledge of what works and what breaks in real trail situations to develop a complete line of Jeep suspension, steering, and body armor components. Most notable of the products are Savvy Off-Road’s line of aluminum body armor, skidplates, and suspension links.

It’s general knowledge that a lighter-weight 4x4 typically works better than a heavier one in similar trail conditions, but Gerald noticed that the trend was to bolt on heavy steel plate armor, skidplates, and bumpers in an effort to avoid body damage. The result was a well-protected rig that handled like a pig on the trail and highway. Desiring the same protection in a lighter-weight package Gerald started forming body panels, skidplates, and bumpers using 6061-T6 aluminum. With the lighter-weight aluminum parts in place Gerald’s LJ maintained its highway performance (the engine remains stock) and still had plenty of torque to power through even the most difficult trail situations.

A side view of Gerald’s LJ displays a well-balanced suspension system offering ample tire clearance beneath the fenders. The Savvy Off-Road 4-inch lift system clears up to 37-inch tires when paired with a mild body lift.

In addition to the Savvy Off-Road components Gerald has outfitted his LJ with some of the best aftermarket components available. Gerald’s LJ has all of the form and function required for a capable 4x4. As far as we are concerned it has all the makings to call it phenomenal.